Red Coco Worm

Red Coco Worm: The Filter-Feeding Showpiece

The Red Coco Worm (Protula bispiralis, sometimes marketed as Protula magnifica) is a magnificent marine invertebrate and a captivating addition to a mature reef aquarium. This filter-feeding worm builds a hard, calcareous tube (hence the common name Hard Tube Feather Duster) for protection, often reaching 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) in length, with its crown extending up to 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter.

The animal is admired for its striking, fan-like spiral crown of radioles, which are typically a vibrant shade of red, pink, or reddish-orange with white markings. When disturbed by a shadow, touch, or a passing fish, the worm rapidly retracts its entire crown into its tube. Unlike its close relatives, the Red Coco Worm does not have an operculum (a trap door) to seal the tube opening.

Due to its reliance on constant, high-quality nutrition and pristine water, the Red Coco Worm is best suited for Intermediate to Advanced aquarists who are diligent about routine feedings and water stability.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This is a dedicated Filter Feeder. It uses its feathery crown to capture fine suspended particles, primarily phytoplankton, zooplankton, and very fine organic particulate matter (marine snow) from the water column.
• Feeding: Regular supplemental feeding is essential for long-term survival. The worm cannot sustain itself solely on natural plankton in a typical aquarium. Feed the tank with high-quality liquid phytoplankton, rotifers, oyster eggs, or other commercially prepared liquid coral foods once or twice daily. Do not dispense food directly onto the crown, as this causes retraction; instead, pour it into an area with moderate flow.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe. The Coco Worm is peaceful and poses no threat to corals or other invertebrates. It requires ample calcium and alkalinity to build its hard tube, making a stable reef environment ideal.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful. The primary compatibility concern is not the worm itself but its susceptibility to predation. Avoid all fish known to nip at sedentary invertebrates, including Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Triggerfish, Pufferfish, and certain large, aggressive Wrasses. Large predatory shrimp and crabs should also be avoided.
• Placement: Place the tube in a shaded area or crevice, preferably near the bottom, with gentle to moderate water flow to ensure food delivery without damaging the delicate crown. It is highly sensitive to poor water quality and copper-based medications.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Protula bispiralis (often sold as Protula magnifica)
• Primary Common Name: Red Coco Worm
• Other Common Names: Magnificent Tubeworm, Hard Tube Feather Duster, Red Fanworm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: Tube up to 8 inches (20 cm), Crown up to 5 inches (12 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful (Sensitive filter feeder)
• Diet: Filter Feeder (Requires regular phytoplankton/plankton supplements)
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallons (Requires stable, mature water)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Excellent)